Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionHospitality in the biblical context is a significant theme that reflects the values of kindness, protection, and provision for strangers. One of the most notable examples of hospitality in the Old Testament is the account of Rahab and the Israelite spies. This account is found in the Book of Joshua and highlights the role of hospitality in God's unfolding plan for His people. Biblical Account The account of Rahab is recorded in Joshua 2. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout the city of Jericho. Rahab, a resident of Jericho and a woman of questionable reputation, extended hospitality to these spies, providing them shelter and protection from the king's men. Joshua 2:1-4 states: "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. But it was reported to the king of Jericho: 'Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.' So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: 'Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.' But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them." Rahab's actions were not merely a gesture of kindness; they were a demonstration of her faith in the God of Israel. She recognized the power and sovereignty of the God of the Israelites and chose to align herself with His people, even at great personal risk. Rahab's Faith and Covenant Rahab's faith is further illustrated in her conversation with the spies. She acknowledged the fear that had fallen upon the inhabitants of Jericho due to the mighty acts of God on behalf of Israel. In Joshua 2:9-11 , Rahab declares: "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below." In response to her faith and hospitality, the spies made a covenant with Rahab. They promised to spare her and her family when the Israelites would take the city, provided she marked her house with a scarlet cord and gathered her family within her home. Theological Significance Rahab's account is a profound example of how God uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. Her hospitality and faith led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy in Matthew 1:5. Rahab's actions demonstrate that God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of Israel, offering redemption to all who believe. Furthermore, Rahab's account underscores the importance of hospitality as a means of participating in God's redemptive work. Her willingness to welcome and protect the spies was instrumental in the Israelites' conquest of Jericho, illustrating how acts of hospitality can have far-reaching implications in God's plan. Conclusion The account of Rahab and the spies is a testament to the power of faith and the significance of hospitality in the biblical narrative. Rahab's account serves as an enduring reminder of God's grace and the transformative impact of welcoming and protecting those who are aligned with His purposes. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 2:1-16And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. Nave's Topical Index Library The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. The Letter of the Church of Rome Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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